Taken too young and exposed to a cruel world too soon, Katya's soul was damaged beyond recognition. All she knew was her instinct to survive. With no one left to guide her, she's left to fend for her little brother for many years until one crazy decision pushed her onto pack territory.
Hunter was an up-and-coming Alpha with a drive to prove himself worthy of his title. At twenty-one, he was one of the few Alphas who has pushed more boundaries and asserted more dominance in more ways than any other Alpha.
There wasn't a challenge he couldn't win--at least that was until his mate crashed into his territory and dropped him to his knees.
And for the first time, Hunter was in a long fight to claim his mate's heart and trust.
It was a challenge he couldn't afford to lose.
I knew better. I should have known better!6
But you had no choice... you had to cross pack territory or else they'll never stop chasing. They were so close. So close to you. We don't want to go back. Never! Never go back!
Free.
Freedom.
Safety.
My heart was pumping so much blood through my body that I wasn't sure it was out of fear or out of violence. My eyes blurred with anger and ears droned out all noises. There were so many unknown scents around me.
Danger!
Fear and anger roared through me. I only had one thing on my mind and that was to keep Liam safe. He was all that I had left. My only family. I would die before anyone could take him from me. We got this far already. No one would touch him. If these bastards refuse to let us go, I'll kill them. I'll kill them all.4
Without nothing else but the survival skill to kill, I lunged and attacked anything within sight. I felt warm liquid underneath my claws and paws, and I knew it wasn't all for nothing. My efforts would get us out of here alive.1
Don't let them pin you. Don't let them get a chance to pin you.1
Saliva dripped down from my jaws. I don't care how I looked. Even if I looked like a rabid dog who has lost all of her sanity.
Then something changed.
Was it the air?
I felt a unique aura. A powerful presence that threatened me. Something that both made me want to obey and chase after it. That was pure insanity. Why would I want to chase after something unknown to me? It scared me more than anything. I wanted to run more than anything, but these idiots wouldn't let me go.
"Stop!" A commanding sound radiated the air.
But I didn't think. I couldn't think or hear. All I knew and understood was fear and running. I snarled and lunged at the nearest body.
Suddenly, everyone stopped and pulled back. It confused me. Were they going to let us go? The only reason I took Liam in this direction was because it was the quickest way to lose them. Those rogues wouldn't come after her when there was a pack that threatened their strength. It was too much. It would have given Liam and I enough time to find a different place. A different place to call home.
Not understanding what was happening but not letting down my guard, I growled and crouched, ready to find an exit. My eyes scanned the group of male werewolves until it landed on one. My heart hitched and my breathing stopped.
Sweet lord above, he was gorgeous.
A pair of the lightest blue eyes—the palest of nature. It reminded me of those days when Liam and I would look up at the sky and make out animals with passing clouds. Calm and lost. His dirty blonde hair flew all over the place as if he had been running for miles.
My eyes dipped lower and admired every curve and dip of his throat down to chiseled body. I've seen nothing like him. A whimper from Liam pulled me back to reality. What was I doing? I dropped my guard for a second there.
The unknown male examined the situation before it fluttered back to me. Then he started in my direction. Shit, I have the sudden urge to run but the glint in his eyes. I couldn't back down. No! Not with him. I have to stand my ground. I would not let him see I was inferior to him.
The circle opened, allowing him to pass. Another wave of dominance clogged the surrounding air, and I almost choked at how powerful it was. An Alpha and my fear doubled. Shit! Not another Alpha. I can't. Not like this. My skin crawled with awareness with each step he took closer to me. I wanted to run. Run so bad, but Liam was no longer by my side.